Patient Education

Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago

Stroke

A stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. When this occurs, many people will experience an array of symptoms including:

Sudden severe headache

Weakness

Numbness

Vision problems

Confusion

Trouble walking or talking

Dizziness

Slurred speech

When it comes to a stroke, the outcome is determined based on where it occurs and how much of the brain is affected. Smaller strokes might result in minor problems, while major strokes may lead to paralysis or death. Anyone can suffer from stroke, and while many risk factors are out of our control, several can be kept in line through proper nutrition and medical care.

How Do I Know if I am Having a Stroke?

If you think you are having a stroke, an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke is F.A.S.T. When you can spot the signs, you will know that you need to call 9-1-1 immediately. Let’s take a look at what F.A.S.T. stands for:

Face Drooping – Does one side of your face droop or is it numb. By smiling you can tell if a person’s smile is uneven, which would indicate facial drooping.

Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? It doesn’t have to be only the left arm, if one arm drifts downward while the other remains raised this is another indicator of stroke.

Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? If a person is unable to speak or their speech is difficult to understand, help is needed immediately.

Time to Call 9-1-1 – If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. Even if the symptoms go away it is important to get to the hospital immediately. And remember to check the time so you know when the first symptoms appeared—this will help in the emergency room.

Timing is key when it comes to treating a stroke. When you first experience any signs of a stroke, it is vital that you call 9-1-1 immediately. A stroke is a medical emergency, which means you need to seek care right away or the damage can cost you your life.

For more information on Strokes in the Schaumburg, IL area call Neurology & Sleep Clinics of Chicago at (847) 929-4420 today!